New year, and new favorites to share! Last year, I started recapping everything I used and loved during the month, which became one of my favorite posts to write. It made me think about the changes I made to my routine, what older items I was gravitating towards, and it was satisfying to share items that made me happy or improved my makeup routine, etc. Here’s everything I loved in January and February.
- Merit Beauty Retrospect Parfum was a sweet surprise. I had no idea that Merit had a fragrance until I browsed around Sephora before the new year. I sampled it and instantly fell in love with the scent. It is a subtle, clean, yet sophisticated. I knew I was hooked, but did not buy it right then and there. I waited a few weeks and decided to give it a go. Needless to say, all my other daily fragrances have been pushed to the side. The initial top note is pear, but then it settles into a gorgeous, warm floral scent that is not overpowering. It was also my first time trying a vegan fragrance. This will definitely be part of my collection moving forward.
- Another Merit Beauty product I loved was the Flush Balm Cream in the shade Rouge. I did not think that I would love a red blush, but this one applies beautifully and sheers out as you blend. It will melt into the skin, making it look super natural.
- Jones Road Beauty released a new body collection, and I was able to test two of the products. I tried the Shower Gel and the Body Cream. Both are very lightly fragranced with a fresh scent and are skincare-forward.
- I broke out every time I got my face waxed, even when they used a sensitive wax, so I decided to start Dermaplaning. I purchased this dermaplane razor and Rose Hip Seed Oil, and now dermaplane every few weeks to remove the peach fuzz and gently exfoliate my face. I love it because it is cost-effective, and I no longer need to worry about breaking out. The skin feels smooth, and makeup glides on as a bonus.
- This winter has been really cold, and with that, my skin has needed proper hydration. I have used Gold Bond Healing Hand and Body Lotion every day. I have been applying after showering. I keep one at my work desk, and a mini one for my purses. This product has been saving my skin from feeling dry and cracked.
- So far this year, Sundays have become what I now refer to as my “domestic goddess” day. I get my chores done to prepare for the week ahead, along with baking and trying new recipes. Here are some recipes I have been loving lately.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – requested weekly by my family because it is honestly the best recipe.
- Mini Spinach Quiches – so much easier than I thought.
- Tikka Masala – was so perfect for those cold nights.
- Homemade Hamburger Helper – a childhood classic, but healthier.
- 3 Ingredient Bagels – another super-easy recipe that is actually delicious and makes you not want store-bought bagels again.
- Speaking of food, here are two recipe books that I have been loving.
- Plant You by Carleigh Bodrug shares plant-based and vegan recipes.
- Super Simple by Half-Baked Harvest shares fantastic ideas that will always make you feel like the ultimate chef.